Buying Preground Pork

Much of the preground pork sold in large markets is combined with veal, comprised of unrespectable oddments, or spiced—in other words, not acceptable for Chinese cooking. Be suspicious and query the butcher as to what exactly went into the grinder. Complain loudly if need be, and choose a whole piece of pork butt to be ground on the spot so that you know what you’re buying. Except in an ethnic market or small butcher shop where there is a demand for pure and fresh ground pork, always suspect that what is being sold is a mixture.